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Blackhawks acquire Connelly from Minnesota

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Chicago Blackhawks
/ Chicago Blackhawks

Connelly

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that they have acquired defenseman Brian Connelly from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Brad Winchester. Connelly will report directly to the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. He previously spent parts of four seasons with the IceHogs from 2009 to 2012.

Connelly, 27, has appeared in 50 games this season with the AHL’s Iowa Wild, leading the team in points (32) and assists (27). He also ranks second among team defensemen in goals (5) and power play goals (3).

The Bloomington, Minn., native has tallied 213 points (32g, 181a) in 343 career AHL games with Rockford, Abbotsford, Houston and Iowa. He has played in the AHL All-Star Game twice (2010-11, 2011-12) and was named to the AHL’s Second All-Star Team following the 2011-12 campaign.

Prior to his professional career, Connelly appeared in 114 career games with Colorado College from 2006 to 2009, posting 63 points (8g, 55a) during that span.

Winchester, 32, has recorded 30 points (16g, 14a) in 55 games this season with Rockford. He was signed by the Blackhawks as a free agent on July 24, 2013.